Product Reviews - NEW Marc Anthony True Professional Sachet Hair Treatments

A few weeks back, the lovely people from Marc Anthony True Professional sent me a little haircare package, and in it was two little sachets of product from their latest from the Marc Anthony Hair Treatment range!

Introducing two new Marc Anthony True Professional products - the Oil of Morocco Argain Oil Deep Hydrating Conditioning Treatment, and the Repairing Macadamia Oil Deep Healing Conditioning Treatment!

I was indeed excited to give the products a test-run, seeing how much I love hair treatments. I expose my hair to endless heat-styling on a daily basis, doing blow-outs, flat-ironing, and on top of that, I do chemical treatments on them too to get some colour in. Because of this, my hair has the susceptibility to feel like straw after a while, when I leave it untreated and uncared for!

I spaced out two weeks for allowance to try out the two different masks, to see how they would really work on my dry as hay hair!

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hydrating Conditioning Treatment, SGD $4.90/sachet

Contains:

Keratin Complex - Hydrate and Soften

Argan and Grapeseed Oil - Fortify, Protects hair shaft and Prevent Frizz

This treatment smells alot like the rest of the products from the Oil of Morocco range, it has an exotic smell to it which reminds you of fragrant woods. I used one sachet of this product up in about 3 washes on my shoulder length hair, so for longer hair it would probably go in about 2 washes! The texture of the product is amazing, its creamy and not greasy at all, and is rich and full of natural oils, which are nourishing for the hair. After using this product and doing my usual blow-out routine, my hair felt amazingly soft and smooth, and my split ends had miraculously mended themselves and were concealed: I wasn't able to see or feel them! On top of that, I survived through a day of pouring rain and humidity, and my hair didn't frizz one bit after using this product. It remained sleek and soft! Yet another amazing product - always love Argan Oil!

Marc Anthony Repairing Macadamia Oil Deep Healing Conditioning Treatment, SGD $4.90/sachet

Contains:

Macadamia Nut Oil - Penetrates easily to repair your mane 

Bamboo Extract - Contains protein which helps to retain moisture in your hair shaft

This product is slightly richer that the Argan Oil Treatment, and is very suitable for very damaged or chemically treated hair due to its restorative properties. The smell of the product is very nutty (albeit the name), and the texture is rich and smooth, without the silicone-like feel that certain cheap hair products have. After using this product, I found that my hair broke off less easily during blow-drying, and I had less hair-fall than usual, using my hair brush as the judge. It made my hair soft, but not as silky as the Argan Oil treatment did, but it definitely made it stronger and more resistant to any further wear and tear. A great product - I would highly recommend it for those who bleach their hair out often or do chemical straighteners or perms!

Here's my hair after two weeks of intensive treatments!

Soft, strong, and smooth tresses! :)

Marc Anthony True Professional Hair Treatments are available in selected Watson's stores from 17 October onwards.

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Product Reviews - New in Singapore: CATRICE Cosmetics

A few months back, the lovely people from CATRICE Cosmetics sent me a care package filled with goodies from their range of cosmetics - from eye shadows, to base make-up, powder, lipsticks - this brand has all of it! New to Singapore, this brand's concept is somewhat alike to Essence Cosmetics, drugstore make-up at very affordable prices - but still not comprising on quality. Here is a review of some of my most favourite products!

Ultimate Moisture Fresh Skin Make-Up (Foundation) in 020 Sand

Effect Of the Ultimate Moisture Foundation Range - Brighter, Glowy, and Dewy Skin!

This foundation is great for those who desire dewy, glowy skin and the naturally radiant look! I wore this foundation out for an entire day - it held up all day, and my skin looked nice and fresh with minimal touch-ups! Oil-free too, its non-comodogenic hence it doesn't clog pores and is suitable for those with oily skin as well!

Infinite Shine Lip Gloss - in Pale Pink and Dark Orange Shades

Sheer glosses available in a large choice of 13 shades ranging from subtle to dramatic, Infinite Shine Lip Gloss guarantees gorgeous pampered lips without leaving behind a sticky sensation. My favourite has got to be the Pale Pink Shade, I'm a sucker for the Kim Kardashian rosy-lip look!

Ultimate Colour Lipstick - 050 Princess Peach

Highly pigmented and intense colour, the smooth and creamy texture of this range promises a gorgeous finish when applied on the lips! Ultimate Colour is available in 16 shades.

Ultimate Shine Lipstick - 200 Get the Nudes Paper!

This range of lipsticks has got to be my most favourite from CATRICE cosmetics! I've used it countless of times on photoshoots and brides, and it holds up reasonably well and the pigmentation of the product is amazing. All it took me to get to this lovely Barbie Pink lip was two coats of product! This perfect shade which was sent to me is a bonus as well - I love pink! <3 p="">

All-Round Concealer Palette

This concealer palette is great for all purposes - highlighting, contouring, concealing: it lives up to its name! Its creamy texture makes it a breeze to blend, and it holds up pretty well when set with a good loose or pressed powder.

Absolute Eye Colour in Yellow Submagreen

These eyeshadows have just the right pigmentation for folks who want a pop of colour on their eyes, but don't want to attract too much drama! This particular Yellow Submagreen palette is great for versatility, with the darker hues for the smoulder and the pop of yellow for intensity.

 Here's a little make-up trial I did using the Absolute Eye Colour palette and a range of other CATRICE products!

On my face: CATRICE Yellow Submagreen Eyeshadow Palette, Ultimate Shine Lipstick in 200, CATRICE 18h Photo Finish Liquid Foundation in Rosy Beige, CATRICE Defining Blush in Pink

Here's a natural everyday look I did on myself using CATRICE products!

On my face: CATRICE Photo Finish 18h Liquid Foundation, CATRICE Prime and Fine Translucent Loose Powder and Smoothing Refiner, CATRICE Defining Blush, CATRICE Evolution 2-way Mascara

I have to say, the CATRICE 18h Photo Finish Liquid Foundation has got to be one of the best and most affordable foundation I have ever encountered in my make-up life. It gives a medium to high coverage, stays all day, oxidizes to a perfect shade, and doesn't melt on me in all weather conditions! It is my new recommended foundation - comparable to professional cosmetic brands. What's better? It only costs a mere SGD $12.90. Ten thumbs up! :)

CATRICE is available at the following GUARDIAN stores in Singapore: 

Ang Mo Kio Central, 

Citylink, 

Harbourfront, 

Serangoon NEX, 

with ten more stores to pop up soon! 

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave your feedback! :)

Product Reviews - Marc Anthony Oil Of Morocco Argan Oil Collection

Recently, a lovely package from the people at Marc Anthony True Professional arrived in the mail. And in it was the latest haircare collection, the Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Collection - the perfect range for damaged and weakened hair that has been through alot (like mine!).

Marc Anthony True Professional Oil of Morocco Collection- (left to right) Argan Oil Conditioner, Argan Oil Treatment, and Argan Oil Shampoo

I am personally guilty of abusing my hair on a daily basis, using blow-dryers, flat-irons, curling wands; and on top of that, I colour my hair every 3-4 months as well, hence my tresses has taken quite a beating! I tend to notice that especially with the weather acting all crazy recently, my hair tends to frizz up and feel like straw alot, so when I found out about this collection, I got all excited - something to save the damage in my hair!

Well-known for centuries in its homeland as a beauty staple for healthy looking hair, ARGAN OIL is the foundation for Marc Anthony's NEW Oil of Morocco Collection. Deemed as one of the greatest ancestral beauty secrets from Morocco, it has garnered a huge following of celebrities like Selena Gomez, Madonna, and Josie Maran, all of whom are amazed at the multiple benefits of Argan Oil treatments, which strengthens, moisturizes, gives shine and relieves hair from damage.

Weak, dull, dry hair is often the byproduct of a damaged cuticle resulting from regular styling, processing and evnironmental stress over time. To help combat damaged cuticles, the Oil of Morocco Collection has combined Argan Oil with another super-ingredient, KERATIN, which helps to fortify, protect and correct hair cuticles. This divine combination ensures that your hair transforms into a lush, rich, shine that reflects a healthy scalp.

The Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Collection is entirely sulfate-free, thus, every single step helps to cleanse, strengthen and retain your hair's natural oils. Suited for a sensitive scalp, the sulfate free formula is mild and will help liberate the scalp from any irritation.

Marc Anthony Argan Oil Shampoo (Sulfate-Free) - SGD $17.90

The texture of the shampoo is very smooth, and has an exotic smell to it - everytime I use it I get reminded of Morocco for some reason! I didn't need to use alot of product to cover the whole of my hair shaft - the product lathered quite well and didn't leave behind any residue. However, my advise is to always use the shampoo with the conditioner - as the shampoo tends to tangle my hair if used alone - possibly due to its powerful cleansing properties!

Marc Anthony Argan Oil Conditioner (Sulfate-Free) - SGD $17.90

I always look forward to using Marc Anthony's conditioners, because they're always so creamy and rich! It had the same exotic smell like the shampoo, and eased out all the tangles in my hair like a dream. I left it in for about 5 to 10 minutes before washing it off, and no residue or "oily" feeling was left in my hair and scalp - perfect!

Marc Anthony Argan Oil Treatment (Sulfate-Free) - SGD $18.90

The first thing I eyed when I got the package was this particular product - mainly because I am a huge fan of hair oils and serums. Immediately after washing my hair, I applied a generous amount of this product to my roots and ends, and blow-dried, after which I put in a little bit more. I was completely amazed by the results from using the treatment in conjunction with the rest of the collection - my hair didn't feel heavy, felt clean, soft, bouncy and most importantly - NOT DAMAGED! Gone were the days of having hair that felt fried - I was esctatic! It has been a week since I've used this product - and so far my hair has broken off less during brushing and feels alot stronger!

Here are the results!

Smooth, Strong, Soft Hair using Marc Anthony's Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Collection!

The Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Collection is available at selected Watson's stores in Singapore, including Ngee Ann City, Bugis Junction, ION Orchard, Marina Square and Vivo City.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave your feedback. :)

Product Reviews - MAKE UP FOR EVER AQUA SUMMER COLLECTION 2013

Ever since I first laid my hands on waterproof make-up, I have never looked back since, especially since I am one who isn't really keen on touching up my own make-up, which is impossible for non-waterproof stuff in ever-humid Singapore! And by far, the only brand I've come across with such a comprehensive range of waterproof and high performance cosmetics would be Make Up For Ever!

An essential tool for professional make-up artists, the AQUA range is also essential for women who desire quick-to-apply make-up that is both waterproof and smudge-proof. Offering an extensive range

of eye, lip and cheek products that produce both natural looks and spectacular effects alike, the AQUA range was first launched in 2006 and has since become the ultimate choice for everyone – from synchronized swimming champions to urban beauties who are constantly on the lookout for truly high performance, inventive make-up.

MAKE UP FOR EVER launches their new Aqua Summer 2013 - This time, it is a combination of 4 striking AQUA products in exciting, aquatic pop colors that highlight the qualities of this superb waterproof line.

The lovely people from the MUFE tribe sent me a little summer Aqua goodie bag with some fabulous colors in it! :)

What caught my eye immediately were the new colours from the Aqua Rouge Collection of waterproof lipglosses that MUFE carried. I am a huge, HUGE fan of Aqua Rouge, its by far the only lipstick/gloss/stain that has never done me wrong - it is so easy to apply, and the color stays on strong even after eating oily food and gulping down bottles of liquid! It dries really quick too, so I never really have to wait very long to get that perfect striking lip! 

The new collection features 5 new, sexy shades in Poppy Coral, Fuchsia, Pomegranate,

Baby Pink and Pale Orange that will literally light up your lips for sunnylicious,

kissable moments!

I bagged #16 Fuschia, #20 Baby Pink, and #18 Pale Orange!

MUFE Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuschia (SGD $40 / 5ml)

MUFE Aqua Rouge in #20 Baby Pink (SGD $40 / 5ml)

MUFE Aqua Rouge in #16 Pale Orange (SGD $40 / 5ml)

Swatches of MUFE Aqua Rouge from the Summer 2013 Collection!

3 limited edition shades of AQUA CREAM in Pearlescent Teal, Delicate Pastel Green and Deep Iridescent

Mauve that is the perfect color combination for a fun, playful summer have also been launched - Aqua Creams are by far the most waterproof eyeshadows I have ever used in my make-up life. They hold up the whole day without creasing or smudging, and deliver intense color payoffs. Dries pretty quick though, so you have to be fast when you use them! Here are some swatches!

MUFE Aqua Cream #54 (SGD 41 / 6g)

MUFE Aqua Cream #52 (SGD 41 / 6g)

Swatches: Pearly colours from the new collection! This is with just one coat, the product can be layered on for a more intense colour payoff! 

Another great one from the collection: a limited edition shade of AQUA EYES in stunning Pearlescent Teal to excite your eyes for a day out in the sun!

MUFE Aqua Eyes in 52L (SGD 33 / 1.2g)

Summer also calls for new lipliners, and the Summer Collection boasts 2 new, mouth-watering shades of AQUA LIP in 19C Pomegranate Pink and 20C BabyPink that are the ultimate, trendy lip colors for Spring/Summer 2013. I got the pink one - my favourite colour! 

MUFE Aqua Lip Pencil in 20C (SGD 33 / 1.2g)

I decided to do a little make-up trial and incorporate the Aqua Rouge #16 Fuschia into the look - here it is!

On my lips: MUFE Aqua Summer Collection Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuschia! Loving the intensity and love, love love the hot pink colour!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 Collection is available in the following stores from 16 May 2013 onward:

Sephora ION Orchard

Sephora Ngee Ann City

Sephora Marina Bay Sands

Sephora Great World City

Sephora VivoCity

Sephora Plaza Singapura

Sephora Bugis+

MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy & Pro Loft

( 36 & 38 Armenian Street #01-06 & #02-06 )

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave your feedback. :)

Product Reviews - Laisite Pro Three-Barrel Waver Hair Iron

For the longest time ever, I had always wanted to get myself a three-barrel waver iron. I remember sourcing Ebay and online stores for it, as it is not readily available where I live (in Singapore), as compared to the highly commercialised curling irons and flat-irons. But nonetheless, I never went ahead to get it because of the ridiculous shipping charges.

A few months back, I was at the BeautyAsia 2013 Fair, and I went absolutely crazy grabbing various beauty essentials, from nail polish colours, to make-up, and hair equipment!

Lo and behold I bumped into a MagicBoo booth selling just what I have always wanted to buy to complete my hair kit! As always, I threw it in my shopping bag without thinking twice. And here it is now in my room!

Laisite Pro Three Barrel Waver Iron (Retail Price: around SGD $106)

When I tried it out for the first time, I fell in love with it. It heated up so rapidly, I barely waited a minute and it was ready to combat the thickest of hair! 

Adjustable Temperature Control - from 160 to 220 degrees for fine to thick hair!

The three barrel waver makes texturising work alot easier for someone who does hair and make-up for others, as it is easier to control as compared to a curling iron. The end result of the waves produced is more relaxed, uniform and even as well! This tool is popularly known to create signature "beach-looks", donned by Hollywood celebrities such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen! 

Ashley Olsen wearing a hairdo created by a Three-Barrel Waver Hair Iron!

Here's the result when I tried it out on some lovely models at a recent shoot!

Result on fine limp straight hair - adds texture, body!

Result on thick wavy hair! Makes it even bigger!

Laisite Pro Three Barrel Waver Hair Iron is available at Magicboo, retailing at about SGD $106.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave your feedback. :)

Product Reviews - Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Make-Up Brushes

After I got hold of my Sigma brushes a few weeks back, I decided that I needed MORE colorful make-up brushes to complete my make-up kit, so I decided to go back on the hunt! I didn't want to get anything too pricey, and I'm a HUGE fan of make-up brushes that come in sets, I think its more functional and complete that way! So, I gave the Real Techniques brushes a shot!

Just recently, they arrived in a nice big box!

My Real Techniques Brush Haul!

I sourced their website for a good hour before deciding that I wanted to get the three different sets available, namely the Travel Essentials, Starter, and the Core Collection set! The individual brushes were great as well, but I felt like the sets were more bang for their buck!

A bigger picture- Left to Right; Travel Essential, Starter, and Core Collection Sets

About the Brushes

1. Ultra-plush taklon bristles for high-definition results
2. Extended aluminum ferrules for light, easy use
3. Brush names for quick reference
4. Self-standing bases* for countertop display
5. Panoramic brush cases included with sets for travel or display

Travel Essentials Set - On Location

Multi Task Brush - for effortless application of powder, blush and bronzer

Essential Foundation Brush - to build flawless custom coverage with liquid foundation or concealer

Domed Shadow Brush - tapered design smoothly shades and defines eyes

Starter Set - Your Eyes Enhanced

Left to Right: 1.Deluxe Crease Brush, 2. Base Shadow Brush, 3. Accent Brush, 4. Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush, 5. Brow Brush

1. Deluxe Crease Brush - Soft, oversized design for effortless eye contouring

2. Base Shadow Brush - Applies a smooth flawless foundation of color

3. Accent Brush - Designed for precision detailing, spotlighting, highlighting and smudging

4. Pixel Point Eyliner Brush - Tapered Cut ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application

5. Brow Brush - Distinctive Shape easily defines eyebrows

Core Collection Set - Your Base/ Flawless

Left to Right: 1. Contour Brush, 2. Pointed Foundation Brush, 3. Detailer Brush, 4. Buffing Brush

1. Contour Brush - delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish

2. Pointed Foundation Brush - use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage

3. Detailer Brush - Precision Cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas, or use with lipstick for long lasting shape and definition

4. Buffing Brush - Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation

The brush sets also came in their own cases, which I found was a bonus, as these cases could stand on their own and create a exhibition-like feel!

Stand-alone Fold-able Case for great display!

Extremely convenient, I can fold them away compact into my bag when I need to be on the run, and put them back out on display when I need to use them! The cases and brush-rolls I currently own all don't have this multi-purpose ability, hence, these brush sets get a plus point from me! :)

Real Techniques Brushes can be found on their website www.realtechniques.com, or locally at www.realtechniques.com.sg. You may also find it at international website www.iherb.com. :)

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Product Reviews - NEW Make Up For Ever HD Powder Packaging

Recently I was invited to the new re-launch of Make Up For Ever High Definition Loose Powder in its new improved packaging. As always, I was excited to go for their product demonstration/lesson, hence I didn't put on any make-up at all before heading down; a rare sight!

Product Demonstration on my face by MUFE Artist Didi, using MUFE HD Primer and the new and improved MUFE HD Powder!

From the event, the lovely people at Make Up For Ever gave me a little HD goodie bag with stuff to try out on my own at home: HD Primer (SGD $67), HD Microfinish Puff (SGD $15), HD Powder (SGD $57), Kabuki Brush (SGD $85)

Click to enlarge!

Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder (SGD $57)

Make Up For Ever Kabuki Brush (SGD $85)

Close Up of the MUFE Kabuki Brush, Super Soft Synthetic Bristles; feels just like animal hair minus the cruelty!

MUFE Microfinish Powder Puff (SGD $15)

HOW TO USE MUFE HD POWDER WITH THE PUFF OR KABUKI BRUSH:

Click to enlarge!

MUFE HD Primer #5 (SGD $67)

One of the best primers I've tried so far. Even my 2-way powder makeup stays on the whole day with this miracle product! I'm currently using #7, a slightly pinkish shade.

The effect of MUFE HD Primer #5 with flash: More glowy skin and a less yellow undertone!

The new and improved MUFE HD Powder Packaging:

MUFE HD Powder in the new PATENTED packaging: larger width and a built in sifter!

The NEW and IMPROVED packaging comes slightly wider jar-width for practical use and a tailor made sifter to prevent product fall-outs and wastage, so that application is easy, clean and economical! I've had experience whereby my HD Powder in the old packaging would go all over the place because there was no sifter, and the smaller packaging was handy, just that my fat powder brush couldn't swivel around in it! With the new packaging, I can easily use my fat powder brushes and dip them in the jar without making a huge mess, and before I shut the cap tight, dust off any excess product to keep neat!

MUFE HD Powder in the old packaging: It is slightly harder to control the amount of product that comes out!

MUFE HD Powder capped after opening: Powder falls out due to excess product!

As seen in the first photo of this blogpost, MUFE Artist Didi was doing a demonstration on me using products from the MUFE HD Range, whilst doing a fantastic job at teaching me the steps on how to use the products on my own face. You too can learn more about how to do so by attending MUFE's 30 minute quick and easy classes!

For bookings, call 83810760 to ask for your personalised class!

Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Range can be found at these locations.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave your feedback. :)